KR102590976B1 - Bis-phenyl-phenoxy polyolefin catalyst with methylenetrialkylsilicon ligands on metal for improved solubility - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments relate to a catalyst system comprising a metal-ligand complex and a polyolefin polymerization process using the metal-ligand complex having the structure: Formula (I).

In the above formula, X is selected from _the group consisting of -( ^CH ₂ )SiR

Description

Bis-phenyl-phenoxy polyolefin catalyst with methylenetrialkylsilicon ligands on metal for improved solubility

Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/565,775, filed September 29, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technology field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to olefin polymerization catalyst systems and processes, and more specifically to bis-phenyl catalysts having one alkylenetrialkylsilicon ligand on the metal for improved solubility in non-aromatic hydrocarbons. -Related to phenoxy polyolefin procatalyst.

Olefin-based polymers, such as ethylene-based polymers and propylene-based polymers, are produced through various catalyst systems. The choice of catalyst system used in the polymerization process of olefinic polymers is an important factor contributing to the characteristics and properties of these olefinic polymers.

Polyethylene and polypropylene are manufactured for a wide variety of products. Polyethylene and polypropylene polymerization processes can vary in many respects to produce a wide variety of final polyethylene resins with a variety of physical properties that make these resins suitable for use in a variety of applications. The ethylene monomer and optionally one or more comonomers are present in a liquid diluent (eg solvent) such as an alkane or isoalkane, eg isobutene. Hydrogen may also be added to the reactor. Catalyst systems for the production of polyethylene will typically include chromium-based catalyst systems, Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems and/or molecular (metallocene or non-metallocene (molecular)) catalyst systems. You can. The reactants in the catalyst system and diluent are circulated at elevated polymerization temperatures around the reactor to produce a polyethylene homopolymer or copolymer. A portion of the reaction mixture comprising polyethylene product dissolved in diluent is removed from the reactor, periodically or continuously, along with unreacted ethylene and one or more optional comonomers. When the reaction mixture is removed from the reactor, it may be treated to remove polyethylene product from the diluent and unreacted reactants, which are typically recycled back to the reactor. Alternatively, the reaction mixture can be sent to a second reactor connected in series with the first reactor, where a second polyethylene fraction can be produced. Despite research efforts to develop catalyst systems suitable for olefin polymerization, such as polyethylene or polypropylene polymerization, there is still a need to increase the efficiency of catalyst systems capable of producing polymers with high molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution.

Molecular catalyst systems are not easily solubilized in non-polar solvents. Because ethylene and other olefins are polymerized in non-polar solvents, large amounts of solvent or corrosive aromatic solvents, such as toluene or dichlorotoluene, are used to dissolve small amounts of catalyst. As a result, there is a continuing need to solubilize catalyst systems with lower amounts of solvent while maintaining catalyst efficiency, reactivity, and the ability to produce high or low molecular weight polymers.

In some embodiments, the catalyst system may comprise a metal-ligand complex according to Formula (I):

In formula (I), M is a metal selected from titanium, zirconium or hafnium, the metal being in the formal oxidation state of +2, +3 or +4. ^X _is selected _{from the} group _consisting of _- (CH ₂ ) ^SiR _one ^R _{_} ^{_ _} each Z is independently selected from -O-, -S-, -N(R ^N )- or -P(R ^P )-; R ¹ and R ¹⁶ are independently -H, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )heterohydrocarbyl, -Si(R ^C ) ₃ , -Ge(R ^C ) ₃ , -P(R ^P ) ₂ , -N(R ^N ) ₂ , -OR ^C , -SR ^C , -NO ₂ , -CN, -CF ₃ , R ^C S(O)-, R ^C S(O) ₂ -, -N=C(R ^C ) ₂ , R ^C C(O)O-, R ^C OC(O)-, R ^C C(O)N(R)-, (R ^C ) ₂ NC(O) -, halogen, a radical having the formula (II), a radical having the formula (III) and a radical having the formula (IV):

In Formula (II), Formula (III) and Formula (IV), R ^31-35 , R ^41-48 and R ^51-59 are each independently -H, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ ) heterohydrocarbyl, -Si(R ^C ) ₃ , -Ge(R ^C ) ₃ , -P(R ^P ) ₂ , -N(R ^N ) ₂ , -OR ^C , -SR ^C , -NO ₂ , -CN, -CF ₃ , R ^C S(O)-, R ^C S(O) ₂ -, (R ^C ) ₂ C=N-, R ^C C(O)O-, R ^C OC (O)-, R ^C C (O) N (R ^N ) -, (R ^C ) ₂ NC (O) - or halogen, provided that at least one of R ¹ or R ¹⁶ represents formula (II) A radical having the formula (III) or a radical having the formula (IV). In formula (I), R ^2-4 , R ^5-8 , R ^9-12 and R ^13-15 are each independently -H, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ ) Heterohydrocarbyl, -Si(R ^C ) ₃ , -Ge(R ^C ) ₃ , -P(R ^P ) ₂ , -N(R ^N ) _2- OR ^C , -SR ^C , -NO ₂ , -CN , -CF ₃ , R ^C S(O)-, R ^C S(O) _2- , (R ^C ) ₂ C=N-, R ^C C(O)O-, R ^C OC(O)-, R ^C C(O)N(R)-, (R ^C ) ₂ NC(O)-, and halogen. L is (C ₂ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbylene or (C ₂ -C ₄₀ )heterohydrocarbylene; In formula (I) each R ^C , R ^P and R ^N is independently (C ₁ -C ₃₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₃₀ )heterohydrocarbyl, or -H. The metal-ligand complex according to formula (I) has a solubility greater than that of the comparative complex having the structure according to formula (Ia):

In formula (Ia), M, n, each Z, each R ^1-16 _, each R ^31-35 , each R ^41-48 , each R ^51-59 , L, each R ^C , each R ^P and each RN ^N are all identical to the corresponding groups of the metal-ligand complex according to formula (I).

Specific embodiments of the catalyst system are now described. It should be understood that the catalyst systems of the present disclosure may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments described in the disclosure. Rather, the embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

Common abbreviations are listed below:

R, Z, M, X and n : as defined above; Me : methyl; Et : ethyl; Ph : phenyl; Bn : Benzyl; i -Pr : iso- propyl; t -Bu : tert -butyl; THF : tetrahydrofuran; Et ₂ O : diethyl ether; CH ₂ Cl ₂ : dichloromethane; C ₆ D ₆ : deuterated benzene or benzene- d 6 : CDCl ₃ : deuterated chloroform; Na ₂ SO ₄ : sodium sulfate; MgSO ₄ : Magnesium sulfate; HCl : hydrogen chloride; n -BuLi : butyllithium; HfCl ₄ : Hafnium(IV) chloride; HfBn ₄ : tetrabenzylhafnium(IV); ZrCl ₄ : zirconium(IV) chloride; ZrBn ₄ : tetrabenzylzirconium (IV); ZrBn ₂ Cl ₂ (OEt ₂ ) : Zirconium (IV) dibenzyl dichloride mono-diethyl etherate; HfBn ₂ Cl ₂ (OEt ₂ ) : Hafnium (IV) dibenzyl dichloride mono-diethyl etherate; N ₂ : nitrogen gas; PhMe : toluene; PPR : parallel polymerization reactor; MAO : methylaluminoxane; MMAO : modified methylaluminoxane; NMR : nuclear magnetic resonance; mmol : millimole; mL : milliliter; M : molar concentration; min or mins : minutes; h or hrs : time; d : day; rpm: revolutions per minute.

The term “independently selected” herein means that the R groups such as R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ and R ⁵ may be the same or different (e.g., R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ and R ⁵ may both be substituted alkyl, or R ¹ and R ² may be substituted alkyl, R ³ may be aryl, etc. The chemical name associated with the R group is intended to convey a chemical structure recognized in the art as corresponding to the chemical structure of the chemical name. Accordingly, chemical names are intended to supplement and illustrate, rather than exclude, structural definitions known to those skilled in the art.

The term “procatalyst” refers to a compound that has catalytic activity when combined with an activator. The term “activator” refers to a compound that chemically reacts with a procatalyst in a manner that converts the procatalyst into a catalytically active catalyst. As used herein, the terms “cocatalyst” and “activator” are interchangeable terms.

When used to describe a particular carbon atom-containing chemical group, a parenthetical expression having _the form "( _C It means to have. For example, (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )alkyl is an alkyl group having 1 to 50 carbon atoms in its unsubstituted form. In some embodiments and general structures, certain chemical groups may be substituted with one or more substituents, such as R ^S. R ^S substituted chemical groups defined using the “(C _x -C _y )” parentheses may contain more than y carbon atoms depending on the identity of any group R ^S . For example, “(C ₁ -C ₅₀ )alkyl substituted with exactly one R ^S group, where R ^S is phenyl (—C ₆ H ₅ )” may contain from 7 to 56 carbon atoms. . Therefore, in general, if a chemical group defined using the parentheses “(C _x -C _y )” is substituted by one or more carbon atom-containing substituents ^R It is determined by adding to all y the combined sum of the number of carbon atoms from all carbon atom-containing substituents R ^S.

The term “substitution” means that at least one hydrogen atom (-H) bonded to a carbon atom or heteroatom of the corresponding unsubstituted compound or functional group is replaced by a substituent (eg R ^S ). The term “hypersubstituted” means that all hydrogen atoms (H) bonded to carbon atoms or heteroatoms of the corresponding unsubstituted compound or functional group are replaced by a substituent (e.g. R ^S ). The term “polysubstituted” means that at least two (but less than all) of the hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atom or heteroatom of the corresponding unsubstituted compound or functional group have been replaced by a substituent. The term “-H” refers to hydrogen or a hydrogen radical covalently bonded to another atom. “Hydrogen” and “-H” are interchangeable and have the same meaning unless explicitly stated.

The term "(C ₁ -C ₅₀ )hydrocarbyl" refers to a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 50 carbon atoms, and the term "(C ₁ -C ₅₀ )hydrocarbylene" refers to a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 50 carbon atoms. refers to a hydrocarbon diradical, wherein each hydrocarbon radical and each hydrocarbon diradical may be aromatic or non-aromatic, saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched, cyclic (having three or more carbons, mono- and polycyclic). (including click, fused and unfused polycyclic, and bicyclic) or acyclic, and is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R ^S .

In the present disclosure, (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )hydrocarbyl refers to unsubstituted or substituted (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )alkyl, (C ₃ -C ₅₀ )cycloalkyl, (C ₃ -C ₂₀ )cycloalkyl- (C ₁ -C ₂₀ )alkylene, (C ₆ -C ₄₀ )aryl or (C ₆ -C ₂₀ )aryl-(C ₁ -C ₂₀ )alkylene (e.g. benzyl(-CH ₂ -C ₆ H ₅ )) can be.

The terms “(C ₁ -C ₅₀ )alkyl” and “(C ₁ -C ₁₈ )alkyl” each refer to a saturated straight-chain or branched group having 1 to 50 carbon atoms, unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R ^S Geographical hydrocarbon radicals, and saturated straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 18 carbon atoms. Examples of unsubstituted (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )alkyl include unsubstituted (C ₁ -C ₂₀ )alkyl; unsubstituted (C ₁ -C ₁₀ )alkyl; unsubstituted (C ₁ -C ₅ )alkyl; methyl; ethyl; 1 - profile; 2 - profile; 1-butyl; 2-butyl; 2-methylpropyl; 1,1-dimethylethyl; 1-pentyl; 1-hexyl; 1-heptyl; 1-nonyl and 1-decyl. Examples of substituted (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )alkyl are substituted (C ₁ -C ₂₀ )alkyl, substituted (C ₁ -C ₁₀ )alkyl, trifluoromethyl and [C ₄₅ ]alkyl. The term "[C ₄₅ ]alkyl" means that up to 45 carbon atoms are present in the radical including the substituents, for example (C ₂₇ substituted by one R ^S , each of which is (C ₁ -C ₅ )alkyl. -C ₄₀ )alkyl. Each (C ₁ -C ₅ )alkyl can be methyl, trifluoromethyl, ethyl, 1-propyl, 1-methylethyl or 1,1-dimethylethyl.

The term “(C ₆ -C ₅₀ )aryl” refers to a group of 6 to 40 carbon atoms, unsubstituted or substituted (with one or more R ^S ), wherein at least 6 to 14 of the carbon atoms are aromatic ring carbon atoms. refers to a monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radical having Monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radicals contain one aromatic ring; Bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radicals have two rings; Tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radicals have three rings. When bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radicals are present, at least one ring of the radical is aromatic. The other ring or rings of the aromatic radical may independently be fused or unfused, aromatic or non-aromatic. Examples of unsubstituted (C ₆ -C ₅₀ )aryl include unsubstituted (C ₆ -C ₂₀ )aryl, unsubstituted (C ₆ -C ₁₈ )aryl; 2-(C ₁ -C ₅ )alkyl-phenyl; phenyl; fluorenyl; tetrahydrofluorenyl; indacenyl; hexahydroindacenyl; indenyl; dihydroindenyl; naphthyl; Includes tetrahydronaphthyl and phenanthrene. Examples of substituted (C ₆ -C ₄₀ )aryl include substituted (C ₁ -C ₂₀ )aryl; substituted (C ₆ -C ₁₈ )aryl; 2,4-bis([C ₂₀ ]alkyl)-phenyl; polyfluorophenyl; Included are pentafluorophenyl and fluoren-9-one-1-yl.

The term “(C ₃ -C ₅₀ )cycloalkyl” means a saturated cyclic hydrocarbon radical having 3 to 50 carbon atoms, unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R ^S . Other cycloalkyl groups (eg (C _x -C _y )cycloalkyl) are defined in a similar way as having x to y carbon atoms and being unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R ^S . Examples of unsubstituted (C ₃ -C ₄₀ )cycloalkyl include unsubstituted (C ₃ -C ₂₀ )cycloalkyl, unsubstituted (C ₃ -C ₁₀ )cycloalkyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl. , cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl and cyclodecyl. Examples of substituted (C ₃ -C ₄₀ )cycloalkyl include substituted (C ₃ -C ₂₀ )cycloalkyl, substituted (C ₃ -C ₁₀ )cycloalkyl, cyclopentanon-2-yl and 1-fluo. It is rocyclohexyl.

Examples of (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )hydrocarbylene include unsubstituted or substituted (C ₆ -C ₅₀ )arylene, (C ₃ -C ₅₀ )cycloalkylene and (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )alkylene ( Examples include (C ₁ -C ₂₀ )alkylene). Diradicals can be present on the same carbon atom (e.g. -CH ₂ -) or on adjacent carbon atoms (i.e. 1,2-diradicals), or on one, two or more than two intervening carbon atoms (e.g. For example, 1,3-diradical, 1,4-diradical, etc.) are spaced apart. Some diradicals include 1,2-, 1,3-, 1,4- or α,ω-diradicals, while others include 1,2-diradicals. α,ω-diradicals are diradicals with the largest carbon backbone spacing between radical carbons. Some examples of (C ₂ -C ₂₀ )alkylene α,ω-diradicals are ethane-1,2-diyl (i.e. -CH ₂ CH ₂ -), propane-1,3-diyl (i.e. -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ -), 2-methylpropane-1,3-diyl (i.e. -CH ₂ CH(CH ₃ )CH ₂ -). Some examples of (C ₆ -C ₅₀ )arylene α,ω-diradicals include phenyl-1,4-diyl, naphthalene-2,6-diyl or naphthalene-3,7-diyl.

The term “(C ₁ -C ₅₀ )alkylene” refers to a saturated straight-chain or branched-chain diradical having 1 to 50 carbon atoms, unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R ^S (i.e., the radical is means it does not exist). Examples of unsubstituted (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )alkylene include unsubstituted -CH ₂ CH ₂ -, -(CH ₂ ) ₃ -, -(CH ₂ ) ₄ -, -(CH ₂ ) ₅ -, -( CH ₂ ) ₆ -, -(CH ₂ ) ₇ -, -(CH ₂ ) ₈ -, -CH ₂ C*HCH ₃ and -(CH ₂ ) ₄ C*(H)(CH ₃ ), including unsubstituted (C ₁ -C ₂₀ )alkylene, where “C*” represents a carbon atom from which a hydrogen atom is removed to form a secondary or tertiary alkyl radical. Examples of substituted (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )alkylene include substituted (C ₁ -C ₂₀ )alkylene, -CF ₂ -, -C(O)- and -(CH ₂ ) ₁₄ C(CH ₃ ) ₂ (CH ₂ ) ₅ - (i.e. 6,6-dimethyl substituted normal-1,20-eicosylene). _{Examples of substituted (C 1 -C 50} ⁾ _{alkylenes also include} 1,2-bis( Methylene)cyclopentane, 1,2-bis(methylene)cyclohexane, 2,3-bis(methylene)-7,7-dimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and 2,3-bis(methylene)bicyclo [2.2.2] Octane is included.

The term “(C ₃ -C ₅₀ )cycloalkylene” refers to a cyclic diradical having 3 to 50 carbon atoms, unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R ^S (i.e., the radical is on a ring atom). means.

The term “heteroatom” refers to an atom other than hydrogen or carbon. Examples of groups containing one or more heteroatoms include O, S, S(O), S(O) _2, Si(R ^C ) _2, P(R ^P ), N(R ^N ), - N=C(R ^C ) ₂ , -Ge(R ^C ) ₂ - or -Si(R ^C )-, where each R ^C and each R ^P are unsubstituted (C ₁ -C ₁₈ )hydro. carbyl or -H, and each R ^N is an unsubstituted (C ₁ -C ₁₈ )hydrocarbyl. The term “heterohydrocarbon” refers to a molecule or molecular framework in which one or more carbon atoms of a hydrocarbon have been replaced by a heteroatom. The term “(C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heterohydrocarbyl” refers to a heterohydrocarbon radical having 1 to 50 carbon atoms, and the term “(C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heterohydrocarbylene” refers to a heterohydrocarbon radical having 1 to 50 carbon atoms. It refers to a heterohydrocarbon diradical having atoms. The heterohydrocarbon of (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heterohydrocarbyl or (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heterohydrocarbylene has one or more heteroatoms. The radical of heterohydrocarbyl can be on a carbon atom or a heteroatom. The two radicals of heterohydrocarbylene can exist on a single carbon atom or a single heteroatom. Additionally, one of the two radicals of a diradical may be on a carbon atom and the other radical may be on a different carbon atom; One of the two radicals may be on a carbon atom and the other may be on a heteroatom; Alternatively, one of the two radicals may be on a heteroatom and the other radical may be on a different heteroatom. (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heterohydrocarbyl and (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heterohydrocarbylene are each unsubstituted or substituted (with one or more R ^S ), aromatic or non-aromatic, saturated or unsaturated, straight chain or It may be branched, cyclic (including monocyclic and polycyclic, fused and unfused polycyclic) or acyclic.

(C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heterohydrocarbyl may be unsubstituted or substituted. Non-limiting examples of (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heterohydrocarbyl include (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heteroalkyl, (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )hydrocarbyl-O-, (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )hydro. Carbyl-S-, (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )hydrocarbyl-S(O)-, (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )hydrocarbyl-S(O) ₂ -, (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )hydrocarbyl Bill-Si(R ^C ) ₂ -, (C _l -C ₅₀ )hydrocarbyl-N(R ^N )-, (C _l -C ₅₀ )hydrocarbyl-P(R ^P )-, (C ₂ - C ₅₀ )heterocycloalkyl, (C ₂ -C ₁₉ )heterocycloalkyl-(C ₁ -C ₂₀ )alkylene, (C ₃ -C ₂₀ )cycloalkyl-(C ₁ -C ₁₉ )heteroalkylene, ( C ₂ -C ₁₉ )heterocycloalkyl-(C ₁ -C ₂₀ )heteroalkylene, (C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heteroaryl, (C ₁ -C ₁₉ )heteroaryl-(C ₁ -C ₂₀ )alkylene , (C ₆ -C ₂₀ )aryl-(C ₁ -C ₁₉ )heteroalkylene or (C ₁ -C ₁₉ )heteroaryl-(C ₁ -C ₂₀ )heteroalkylene.

The term “(C ₄ -C ₅₀ )heteroaryl” refers to a monocyclic, bicyclic group having 4 to 50 total carbon atoms and 1 to 10 heteroatoms, unsubstituted or substituted (with one or more R ^S ). refers to a click, or tricyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical. Monocyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radicals contain one heteroaromatic ring; Bicyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radicals have two rings; Tricyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radicals have three rings. When a bicyclic or tricyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical is present, at least one of the rings within the radical is heteroaromatic. The other ring or rings of the heteroaromatic radical may independently be fused or unfused, aromatic or non-aromatic. Other heteroaryl groups (e.g. (C _x -C _y )heteroaryl, generally (C ₄ -C ₁₂ )heteroaryl) have x to y carbon atoms (e.g. 4 to 12 carbon atoms) and It is defined in a similar way as unsubstituted or substituted with one or more than one R ^S. Monocyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radicals are 5-membered rings or 6-membered rings. A 5-membered ring monocyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical has 5 - h carbon atoms, where h is the number of heteroatoms and can be 1, 2, or 3; Each heteroatom can be O, S, N, or P.

Examples of 5-membered ring heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radicals include pyrrol-1-yl; pyrrol-2-yl; furan-3-yl; thiophen-2-yl; pyrazol-1-yl; Isoxazol-2-yl; isothiazol-5-yl; imidazole-2-yl; oxazol-4-yl; thiazol-2-yl; 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl; 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl; tetrazol-1-yl; Included are tetrazol-2-yl and tetrazol-5-yl. A 6-membered ring monocyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical has 6 - h carbon atoms, where h is the number of heteroatoms, which can be 1 or 2, and the heteroatoms can be N or P.

Examples of 6-membered ring heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radicals include pyridin-2-yl; Included are pyrimidin-2-yl and pyrazin-2-yl. Bicyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radicals may be fused 5,6- or 6,6-ring systems. Examples of fused 5,6-ring bicyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radicals are indol-1-yl and benzimidazol-1-yl. Examples of fused 6,6-ring bicyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radicals are quinolin-2-yl and isoquinolin-1-yl. Tricyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radicals are fused 5,6,5-; 5,6,6-; It may be a 6,5,6- or 6,6,6-ring system. An example of a fused 5,6,5-ring system is 1,7-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-f]indol-1-yl. An example of a fused 5,6,6-ring system is 1H-benzo[f] indole-1-yl. An example of a fused 6,5,6-ring system is 9H-carbazol-9-yl. An example of a fused 6,5,6-ring system is 9H-carbazol-9-yl. An example of a fused 6,6,6-ring system is acridin-9-yl.

The term “(C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heteroalkyl” refers to a saturated straight or branched chain radical containing 1 to 50 carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms. The term “(C ₁ -C ₅₀ )heteroalkylene” refers to a saturated straight or branched chain diradical containing 1 to 50 carbon atoms and one or more than one heteroatom. The heteroatoms of heteroalkyl or heteroalkylene are Si(R ^C ) ₃ , Ge(R ^C ) ₃ , Si(R ^C ) ₂ , Ge(R ^C ) ₂ , P(R ^P ) ₂ , P(R ^P ), N(R ^N ) ₂ , N(R ^N ), N, O, OR ^C , S, SR ^C , S(O) and S(O) ₂ , wherein heteroalkyl and heteroalkylene Each group is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R ^S.

Examples of unsubstituted (C ₂ -C ₄₀ )heterocycloalkyl include unsubstituted (C ₂ -C ₂₀ )heterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted (C ₂ -C ₁₀ )heterocycloalkyl, aziridin-1-yl, jade, Cetan-2-yl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl, tetrahydrothiophen-S,S-dioxide-2-yl, morpholin-4-yl, 1,4-di Included are oxan-2-yl, hexahydroazepin-4-yl, 3-oxa-cyclooctyl, 5-thio-cyclononyl and 2-aza-cyclodecyl.

The term “halogen atom” or “halogen” means a radical of a fluorine atom (F), a chlorine atom (Cl), a bromine atom (Br) or an iodine atom (I). The term “halide” refers to the anionic form of a halogen atom, fluoride (F ^- ), chloride (Cl ^- ), bromide (Br ^- ) or iodide (I ^- ).

The term “saturated” means lacking carbon-carbon double bonds, carbon-carbon triple bonds, and (in heteroatom-containing groups) carbon-nitrogen, carbon-phosphorus, and carbon-silicon double bonds. When a saturated chemical group is substituted with one or more substituents R ^S , one or more double and/or triple bonds may optionally be present in the substituents R ^S. The term “unsaturated” means one or more carbon-carbon double bonds or carbon-carbon triple bonds, or (in heteroatom-containing groups) one or more carbon-nitrogen double bonds, carbon-phosphorus double bonds or carbon-silicon double bonds. This means that, if a substituent R ^S is present, it does not include a double bond that may exist in the substituent or if an aromatic ring or heteroaromatic ring is present.

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a catalyst system comprising a metal-ligand complex according to Formula (I):

In formula (I), M is a metal selected from titanium, zirconium or hafnium, the metal being in the formal oxidation state of +2, +3 or +4. ^X _is selected _{from the group consisting} of -(CH ₂ ) ^SiR R ^X is (C ₂ -C ₃₀ )hydrocarbyl, any two ^or all three ^R Metal-ligand complexes have six or fewer metal-ligand bonds and may be overall charge neutral. each Z is independently selected from -O-, -S-, -N(R ^N )- or -P(R ^P )-; is selected from oxygen or sulfur. In an embodiment, the catalyst system may comprise a metal-ligand complex according to formula (I), wherein R ¹ and R ¹⁶ are each independently -H, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ ) Hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )heterohydrocarbyl, -Si(R ^C ) ₃ , -Ge(R ^C ) ₃ , -P(R ^P ) ₂ , -N(R ^N ) ₂ , -OR ^C , -SR ^C , -NO ₂ , -CN, -CF ₃ , R ^C S(O)-, R ^C S(O) ₂ -, -N=C(R ^C ) ₂ , R ^C C(O) O-, R ^C OC(O)-, R ^C C(O)N(R)-, (R ^C ) ₂ NC(O)-, halogen, radical having formula (II), radical having formula (III) is selected from the group consisting of radicals and radicals having the formula (IV):

In Formula (II), Formula (III) and Formula (IV), R ^31-35 , R ^41-48 and R ^51-59 are each independently -H, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ ) heterohydrocarbyl, -Si(R ^C ) ₃ , -Ge(R ^C ) ₃ , -P(R ^P ) ₂ , -N(R ^N ) ₂ , -OR ^C , -SR ^C , -NO ₂ , -CN, -CF ₃ , R ^C S(O)-, R ^C S(O) ₂ -, (R ^C ) ₂ C=N-, R ^C C(O)O-, R ^C OC (O)-, R ^C C (O) N (R ^N ) -, (R ^C ) ₂ NC (O) - or halogen, provided that at least one of R ¹ or R ¹⁶ represents formula (II) A radical having the formula (III) or a radical having the formula (IV). In formula (I), R ^2-4 , R ^5-8 , R ^9-12 and R ^13-15 are each independently -H, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ ) Heterohydrocarbyl, -Si(R ^C ) ₃ , -Ge(R ^C ) ₃ , -P(R ^P ) ₂ , -N(R ^N ) _2- OR ^C , -SR ^C , -NO ₂ , -CN , -CF ₃ , R ^C S(O)-, R ^C S(O) _2- , (R ^C ) ₂ C=N-, R ^C C(O)O-, R ^C OC(O)-, R ^C C(O)N(R)-, (R ^C ) ₂ NC(O)-, and halogen. In one or more embodiments, L is (C ₂ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbylene or (C ₂ -C ₄₀ )heterohydrocarbylene; In formula (I) each R ^C , R ^P and R ^N is independently (C ₁ -C ₃₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₃₀ )heterohydrocarbyl, or -H.

In embodiments, the metal-ligand complex according to Formula (I) has a solubility that is greater than the solubility of a comparative complex having a structure according to Formula (Ia):

In formula (Ia), M, each Z, each R ^1-16 _, each R ^31-35 , each R ^41-48 , each R ^51-59 , L, each R ^C , each R Both ^P and each R ^N are identical to the corresponding groups of the metal-ligand complex according to formula (I). The comparative complex therefore differs from the metal-ligand complex according to formula (I) in that the group X of the metal-ligand complex according to formula (I) is replaced by a methyl group. The metal-ligand complex of formula (I) and the corresponding comparative complex of formula (Ia) both have weight percent solubility in various solvents. Generally, as used herein, the weight percent solubility of a solute in a solution is the weight of the solute divided by the weight of the solution multiplied by 100. Solubility measurements of individual metal-ligand complexes are performed as follows: the solute (procatalyst) is dissolved in methylcyclohexane (MCH) or Isopar-E, such that the amount of solute added is greater than the amount that will dissolve in that amount of solvent. Add to a solvent such as ^TM . The resulting suspension is stirred for 1 hour and then allowed to stand overnight. After stirring overnight (approximately 16 hours), the suspension is filtered through a 0.2-μm PTFE syringe filter into a weighed vial. Weigh the amount of solution in a weighed vial and remove the solvent under reduced pressure. After all solvent has been removed, the weight of the remaining solid is measured. Divide the weight of residual solids by the weight of solution in the weighed vial and multiply by 100 to determine weight percent solubility.

In one or more embodiments, the metal-ligand complex according to Formula (I) has a weight percent solubility of 1.5% to 50% by weight in methylcyclohexane (MCH) at ambient temperature and pressure. All individual values and subranges encompassed by “1.5% to 50% by weight” are disclosed herein as separate embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the solubility of the metal-ligand complex according to Formula (I) is 2.5% to 15%, 1.5% to 10%, or 3.0% to 15% by weight in MCH, In another embodiment, the solubility is greater than 20% by weight in MCH at standard temperature and pressure (STP) (temperature of 22.5 ± 2.5° C. and pressure of approximately 1 atmosphere).

In one or more embodiments, the metal-ligand complex according to formula (I) has a weight percent solubility of 1.5% to 50% by weight in Isopar-E ^™ at ambient temperature and pressure. All individual values and subranges encompassed by “1.5% to 50% by weight” are disclosed herein as separate embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the metal-ligand complex according to Formula (I) is 2.5% to 15%, 2.5% to 10%, or 3.0% to 15% by weight in Isopar-E ^™ . and a weight percent solubility, and in another embodiment, the weight percent solubility is greater than 20 weight percent in Isopar-E ^™ at STP.

The metal-ligand complex of formula (I) in MCH at STP has a weight percent solubility of W, as determined by the procedure described above. The corresponding metal-ligand complex of formula (Ia) in MCH at STP has a weight percent solubility of Y in MCH at STP, as determined by the same procedure as the corresponding metal-ligand complex of formula (I). Weight percent solubility ratio (SR) is defined as W divided by Y (W/Y). For example, Complex A, a metal-ligand complex of formula (I), has a weight percent solubility of 10% by weight in MCH at STP, as determined by the procedure in the paragraph above. Complex B, the corresponding metal-ligand complex of formula (Ia), has a wt% solubility of 2 wt% in MCH at STP, as determined by the same procedure as complex A. Therefore, the SR of complex A is 5.

In one or more embodiments of the disclosure, the SR of the metal-ligand complex of Formula (I) is at least 1.5, at least 2, or at least 3. In some embodiments, SR is 1.5 to 50, 2 to 50, 2 to 10, 3 to 15, or 1.5 to 100. All individual values and subranges encompassed by “2 to 100” are disclosed herein as separate embodiments.

Industrial-scale polymerization processes typically involve bulk solutions of procatalysts in non-aromatic hydrocarbon solvents. If the solubility of the procatalyst in non-aromatic hydrocarbons is low, very dilute solutions must be used. This requires a larger amount of solvent to transport the procatalyst. As the solubility of the procatalyst increases, a smaller amount of solvent can be used, which can lead to a more environmentally friendly process. Diluted solutions can also cause process disruption. In some cases, the procatalyst is so insoluble in non-aromatic hydrocarbons that even diluted solutions cannot be used, and undesirable aromatic hydrocarbon solvents are required.

In some embodiments, any of the chemical groups of the metal-ligand complex of Formula (I) (e.g., L, R ^1-16 , R ^31-35 , R ^41-48 , R ^51-59 ) or Not all may be replaced. In another embodiment, any or all of the chemical groups of the metal-ligand complex of formula (I), namely L, R ^1-16 , R ^31-35 , R ^41-48 , R ^51-59 are one or may be substituted with more than one R ^S or none of them may be substituted. When two or more than two R ^S are bonded to the same chemical group of the metal-ligand complex of formula (I), the individual R ^S of the chemical groups are bonded to the same carbon atom or heteroatom, or to different carbon atoms or heteroatoms. It can be. In some embodiments, any or all of the chemical groups L, R ^1-16 , R ^31-35 , R ^41-48 , R ^51-59 may be oversubstituted with R ^S , or none of them is oversubstituted. It may not work. In a chemical group supersubstituted with R ^S , the individual R ^S may all be the same, or may be selected independently.

In one or more _embodiments , each X is _{independently} -(CH ₂ )SiR ^X _{3 , wherein} each ^R At _{least one} ^R In some embodiments, _when one _of ^R In some embodiments , ^R

_{In one or more embodiments , _ _ _ _ _} (CH ₂ CH ₃ ) ₃ , -(CH ₂ )Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ (n-butyl), -(CH ₂ )Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ (n-hexyl), -(CH ₂ )Si(CH _{3 ) ( n - octyl} ^{) R} _{_} CH ₃ ) ₂ (dodecyl), -CH ₂ Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ CH ₂ Si(CH ₃ ) ₃ (herein referred to as -CH ₂ Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ CH ₂ TMS). Optionally, in some embodiments, in a metal-ligand complex ^according to Formula (I), exactly two ^R

In one or more embodiments, L is (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )alkylene, (C ₂ -C ₁₂ )heteroalkylene, (C ₆ -C ₅₀ )arylene, (C ₅ -C ₅₀ )heteroarylene, (-CH ₂ Si(R ^C ) ₂ CH ₂ -), (-CH ₂ CH ₂ Si(R ^C ) ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ -), (-CH ₂ CH ₂ Ge(R ^C ) ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ -) or (-CH ₂ Ge(R ^C ) ₂ CH ₂ -), where R ^C is (C ₁ -C ₃₀ )hydrocarbyl. In some embodiments, L is -(CH ₂ ) _x -, where the subscript x is 2 to 5. In other embodiments, the subscript x of -(CH ₂ ) _x - is 3 or 4. In some embodiments, L is 1,3-bis(methylene)cyclohexane or 1,2-bis(2-ylethyl)cyclohexane.

In some embodiments, in a metal-ligand complex of Formula (I), one of R ¹ or R ¹⁶ , or both R ¹ and R ¹⁶ is of Formula (II), Formula (III), or Formula (IV) The radicals are selected from:

Groups R ³¹ to R ³⁵ of the metal-ligand complex of formula (I) when present in the metal-ligand complex of formula (I) as part of a radical of formula (II), formula (III), or formula (IV) , R ⁴¹ to R ⁴⁸ and R ⁵¹ to R ⁵⁹ are each (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )heterohydrocarbyl, Si(R ^C ) ₃ , P(R ^P ) ₂ , N(R ^N ) ₂ , OR ^C , SR ^C , NO ₂ , CN, CF ₃ , R ^C S(O)-, R ^C S(O) ₂ -, (R ^C ) ₂ C=N-, R ^C C(O)O-, R ^C OC(O)-, R ^C C(O)N(R ^N )-, (R ^N ) ₂ NC(O)-, halogen, hydrogen (-H) or these are independently selected from the combination. Independently, each R ^C , R ^P and R ^N is unsubstituted (C ₁ -C ₁₈ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₃₀ )heterohydrocarbyl, or -H. The groups R ¹ and R ¹⁶ of the metal-ligand complex of formula (I) are selected independently of each other. For example, R ¹ may be selected from a radical of Formula (II), Formula (III), or Formula (IV), and R ¹⁶ may be (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl; or R ¹ may be selected from a radical of formula (II), formula (III), or formula (IV), and R ¹⁶ may be selected from a radical of formula (II), formula (III), or formula (IV), which is the same or different from R ¹ (IV). Both R ¹ and R ¹⁶ may be radicals having the formula (II) where the groups R ^31-35 are the same or different in R ¹ and R ¹⁶ . In another example, R ¹ and R ¹⁶ can both be radicals having formula (III), wherein the groups R ^41-48 are the same or different in R ¹ and R ¹⁶ ; Or both R ¹ and R ¹⁶ may be radicals having the formula (IV) where the groups R ^51-59 are the same or different in R ¹ and R ¹⁶ .

In some embodiments, at least one of R ¹ and R ¹⁶ is a radical of formula (II), where R ³² and R ³⁴ are tert -butyl.

In some embodiments, when at least one of R ¹ or R ¹⁶ is a radical of formula (III), then one or both of R ⁴³ and R ⁴⁶ is tert -butyl, R ^41-42 , R ^44-45 , and R ^47-48 are each -H. In other embodiments, one or both of R ⁴² and R ⁴⁷ are tert -butyl and R ⁴¹ , R ^43-46 and R ⁴⁸ are -H. In some embodiments, R ⁴² and R ⁴⁷ are both -H.

In some embodiments, R ³ and R ¹⁴ are tert -octyl, n -octyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, 2-propyl, butyl, 1,1-dimethylethyl (or tert- butyl). In other embodiments, R ⁶ and R ¹¹ are halogen. In some embodiments, R ³ and R ¹⁴ are methyl; R ⁶ and R ¹¹ are halogen.

In some embodiments of the metal-ligand complex of Formula (I), when R ⁵ to R ⁷ are fluorine, at most one of R ¹⁰ to R ¹² is fluorine. In another embodiment, when R ¹⁰ to R ¹² are fluorine, at most one of R ⁵ to R ⁷ is fluorine. In other embodiments, less than 4 of R ⁵ to R ⁷ and R ¹⁰ to R ¹² are fluorine. In one or more embodiments, R ⁷ , R ⁸ , R ⁹ and R ¹⁰ are -H. In some embodiments, R ⁷ and R ¹⁰ are halogen. In some embodiments, two of R ⁵ to R ⁷ are fluorine and two of R ¹⁰ to R ¹² are fluorine.

In the metal-ligand complex of formula (I), M may be a transition metal such as titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr) or hafnium (Hf), which transition metal has a formal oxidation state of +2, +3 or +4. You can have The subscript n in (X) _n , which indicates the number of ligands X bound to or associated with metal M, is an integer of 1, 2 or 3.

The metal M in the metal-ligand complex of formula (I) can be derived from a metal precursor, which subsequently undergoes single-step or multi-step synthesis to prepare the metal-ligand complex. Suitable metal precursors may be monomeric (one metal center), dimeric (two metal centers), or may have a plurality of more than two, such as 3, 4, 5 or more than 5 metal centers. For example, specific examples of suitable hafnium and zirconium precursors include, but are not limited to, HfCl ₄ , HfMe ₄ , Hf(CH ₂ Ph) ₄ , Hf(CH ₂ CMe ₃ ) ₄ , Hf(CH ₂ SiMe ₃ ) ₄ , Hf(CH ₂ Ph) ₃ Cl, Hf(CH ₂ CMe ₃ ) ₃ Cl, Hf(CH ₂ SiMe ₃ ) ₃ Cl, Hf(CH ₂ Ph) ₂ Cl ₂ , Hf(CH ₂ CMe ₃ ) ₂ Cl ₂ , Hf(CH ₂ SiMe ₃ ) ₂ Cl ₂ , Hf(NMe ₂ ) ₄ , Hf(NEt ₂ ) ₄ and Hf(N(SiMe ₃ ) ₂ ) ₂ Cl ₂ ; ZrCl ₄ , ZrMe ₄ , Zr(CH ₂ Ph) ₄ , Zr(CH ₂ CMe ₃ ) ₄ , Zr(CH ₂ SiMe ₃ ) ₄ , Zr(CH ₂ Ph) ₃ Cl, Zr(CH ₂ CMe ₃ ) ₃ Cl , Zr(CH ₂ SiMe ₃ ) ₃ Cl, Zr(CH ₂ Ph) ₂ Cl ₂ , Zr(CH ₂ CMe ₃ ) ₂ Cl ₂ , Zr(CH ₂ SiMe ₃ ) ₂ Cl ₂ , Zr(NMe ₂ ) ₄ , Zr(NEt ₂ ) ₄ , Zr(NMe ₂ ) ₂ Cl ₂ , Zr(NEt ₂ ) ₂ Cl ₂ , Zr(N(SiMe ₃ ) ₂ ) ₂ Cl ₂ , TiBn ₄ , TiCl ₄ and Ti(CH ₂ Ph) ₄ is included. Lewis base adducts of these examples are also suitable as metal precursors, for example ethers, amines, thioethers and phosphines are suitable as Lewis bases. Specific examples include HfCl ₄ (THF) ₂ , HfCl ₄ (SMe ₂ ) ₂ and Hf(CH ₂ Ph) ₂ Cl ₂ (OEt ₂ ). Activated metal precursors are (M(CH ₂ Ph) ₃ ⁺ )(B(C ₆ F ₅ ) ₄ ^- ) or (M(CH ₂ Ph) ₃ ⁺ ) (PhCH ₂ B(C ₆ F ₅ ) ₃ ^- ) It may be an ionic or zwitterionic compound, where M is defined above as Hf or Zr.

In the metal-ligand complex of formula (I), each Z is independently O, S, N(C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl or P(C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl. In some embodiments, each Z is different. For example, one Z is O and the other Z is NCH ₃ . In some embodiments, one Z is O and one Z is S. In another embodiment, one Z is S and one Z is N(C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl (eg, NCH ₃ ). In a further embodiment, each Z is equal. In another embodiment, each Z is O. In another embodiment, each Z is S.

Co-catalyst component

Catalyst systems comprising metal-ligand complexes of formula (I) can be made catalytically active by any technique known in the art for activating metal-based catalysts of olefin polymerization reactions. For example, a procatalyst according to a metal-ligand complex of formula (I) can be made catalytically active by contacting the complex with an activating cocatalyst, or by combining the complex with an activating cocatalyst. Additionally, metal-ligand complexes according to formula (I) include both procatalyst forms that are neutral, and catalyst forms that can become positively charged due to the loss of a monovalent anionic ligand, such as benzyl or phenyl. Activating cocatalysts suitable for use herein include alkyl aluminum; polymeric or oligomeric aluminoxane (also known as aluminoxane); neutral Lewis acid; and non-polymeric, non-coordinating, ion-forming compounds, including the use of such compounds under oxidizing conditions. A suitable activation technique is bulk electrolysis. Combinations of one or more of the above activating cocatalysts and technologies are also contemplated. The term “alkyl aluminum” means monoalkyl aluminum dihydride or monoalkylaluminum dihalide, dialkyl aluminum hydride or dialkyl aluminum halide or trialkylaluminum. Examples of polymeric or oligomeric aluminoxanes include methylaluminoxane, triisobutylaluminum-modified methylaluminoxane, and isobutylaluminoxane.

The Lewis acid activated cocatalyst includes a Group 13 metal compound containing a (C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl substituent as described herein. In some embodiments, the Group 13 metal compound is a tri((C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl)-substituted-aluminum or tri((C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl)-boron compound. In another embodiment, the Group 13 metal compound is tri(hydrocarbyl)-substituted-aluminum, tri((C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl)-boron compound, tri((C ₁ -C ₁₀ )alkyl) Aluminum, tri((C ₆ -C ₁₈ )aryl)boron compounds and their halogenated (including perhalogenated) derivatives. In a further embodiment, the Group 13 metal compound is tris(fluoro-substituted phenyl)borane, tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane. In some embodiments, the activating cocatalyst is tris((C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl borate (e.g. trityl tetrafluoroborate) or tri((C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl)ammonium tetra( (C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl)borane (e.g. bis(octadecyl)methylammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borane). As used herein, the term "ammonium" refers to ((C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl) ₄ N ⁺ , ((C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl) ₃ N(H) ⁺ , ((C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl) ₂ N(H) ₂ ⁺ , (C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl N(H) ₃ ⁺ or N(H) ₄ ⁺ refers to a nitrogen cation, where each (C ₁ -C ₂₀ )hydrocarbyl is two or more If present, they may be the same or different.

The combination of neutral Lewis acid activated cocatalysts includes tri((C ₁ -C ₄ )alkyl)aluminum and halogenated tri((C ₆ -C ₁₈ )aryl)borane compounds, especially tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane. Includes a mixture containing. Other embodiments are combinations of such neutral Lewis acid mixtures with polymeric or oligomeric aluminoxanes, and combinations of polymeric or oligomeric aluminoxanes with single neutral Lewis acids, particularly tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane. (Metal-ligand complex): (tris(pentafluoro-phenylborane):(aluminoxane) [e.g. (Group 4 metal-ligand complex):(tris(pentafluoro-phenylborane):(aluminoxane) The ratio of moles of ] is from 1:1:1 to 1:10:30, in other embodiments from 1:1:1.5 to 1:5:10.

Catalyst systems comprising a metal-ligand complex of formula (I) can be activated to form an active catalyst composition by combination with one or more cocatalysts, for example cation forming cocatalysts, strong Lewis acids or combinations thereof. there is. Suitable activating cocatalysts include polymeric or oligomeric aluminoxanes, especially methyl aluminoxane, as well as inert, compatible, non-coordinating ion-forming compounds. Exemplary suitable cocatalysts include, but are not limited to, modified methyl aluminoxane (MMAO), bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)methyl, tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate(1-) amine, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, more than one of the above activating cocatalysts may be used in combination with each other. Specific examples of cocatalyst combinations include tri((C ₁ -C ₄ )hydrocarbyl)aluminum, tri((C ₁ -C ₄ )hydrocarbyl)borane or ammonium borate and oligomeric or polymeric aluminoxane compounds. It is a mixture of The ratio of the total number of moles of the at least one metal-ligand complex of formula (I) to the total number of moles of the at least one activating cocatalyst is from 1:10,000 to 100:1. In some embodiments, the ratio is at least 1:5000, in some other embodiments at least 1:1000 and no more than 10:1, and in some other embodiments no more than 1:1. When aluminoxane is used alone as an activating cocatalyst, preferably the number of moles of aluminoxane used is at least 100 times the number of moles of the metal-ligand complex of formula (I). When tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane is used alone as the activating cocatalyst, in some other embodiments, the number of moles of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane used versus one or more metal-ligand complexes of formula (I) The total number of moles is 0.5:1 to 10:1, 1:1 to 6:1 or 1:1 to 5:1. The remaining activating cocatalysts are generally utilized in a molar amount approximately equal to the total molar amount of one or more metal-ligand complexes of formula (I).

In some embodiments, when more than one of the above-described cocatalysts are used in combination, one of the cocatalysts will function as a scavenger. The purpose of the scavenger is to react with any water or other impurities present in the system that might otherwise react with the catalyst and reduce its efficiency.

polyolefin

The catalyst systems described in the above paragraphs are used for the polymerization of olefins, mainly ethylene and propylene. In some embodiments, only a single type of olefin or α-olefin is present in the polymerization scheme, forming a homopolymer. However, additional α-olefins can be incorporated into the polymerization procedure. Additional α-olefin comonomers typically have up to 20 carbon atoms. For example, the α-olefin comonomer can have 3 to 10 carbon atoms or 3 to 8 carbon atoms. Exemplary α-olefin comonomers include, but are not limited to, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, and 4-methyl-1-pentene. This is included. For example, the one or more α-olefin comonomers are from the group consisting of propylene, 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene; or alternatively, may be selected from the group consisting of 1-hexene and 1-octene.

The ethylene-based polymers, e.g., homopolymers and/or interpolymers (including copolymers), of ethylene and optionally one or more comonomers, such as α-olefins, contain at least 50 mole percent (mole percent) of monomer units derived from ethylene. It can be included. All individual values and subranges encompassed by “at least 50 mole %” are disclosed herein as separate embodiments and include, for example, ethylene-based polymers, homopolymers of ethylene and optionally one or more comonomers, such as α-olefins. and/or interpolymers (including copolymers) comprising at least 60 mole percent of monomer units derived from ethylene; At least 70 mol% of monomer units derived from ethylene; At least 80 mol% of monomer units derived from ethylene; or 50 to 100 mol% of ethylene-derived monomer units; Alternatively, it may contain 80 to 100 mol% of monomer units derived from ethylene.

In some embodiments, the ethylene-based polymer may comprise at least 90 mole percent of units derived from ethylene. All individual values and subranges from at least 90 mole % are incorporated herein by reference and disclosed herein as separate embodiments. For example, the ethylene-based polymer may contain at least 93 mole percent of units derived from ethylene; At least 96 mole percent of units derived from ethylene; At least 97 mole percent of units derived from ethylene; or alternatively, 90 to 100 mole percent of units derived from ethylene; 90 to 99.5 mol% of units derived from ethylene; Alternatively, it may contain 97 to 99.5 mol% of units derived from ethylene.

In some embodiments of the ethylene-based polymer, the amount of additional α-olefin is less than 50 mole percent; Other embodiments include at least 1 mole % to 25 mole %; In a further embodiment, the amount of additional α-olefin comprises at least 5 mole % to 103 mole %. In some embodiments, the additional α-olefin is 1-octene.

Any conventional polymerization process can be used to prepare ethylene-based polymers. These conventional polymerization processes include, but are not limited to, one or more conventional reactors, such as, for example, loop reactors, isothermal reactors, fluidized bed gas phase reactors, stirred tank reactors, and batch reactors in parallel, series, or any combination thereof. Included are solution polymerization processes, gas phase polymerization processes, slurry phase polymerization processes, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer may be prepared via solution polymerization in a dual reactor system, such as a dual loop reactor system, wherein ethylene and optionally one or more α-olefins are reacted with a catalyst system as described herein and an optional It polymerizes in the presence of one or more cocatalysts. In another embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer may be prepared via solution polymerization in a dual reactor system, such as a dual loop reactor system, wherein ethylene and optionally one or more α-olefins are as described in this disclosure and herein. Polymerization occurs in the presence of the same catalyst system and optionally one or more other catalysts. Catalyst systems as described herein can be used in either the first reactor or the second reactor, optionally in combination with one or more other catalysts. In one embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer may be prepared via solution polymerization in a dual reactor system, such as a dual loop reactor system, wherein ethylene and optionally one or more α-olefins are reacted in both reactors as described herein. Polymerization occurs in the presence of a catalyst system as described above.

In another embodiment, the ethylene-based polymer may be prepared via solution polymerization in a single reactor system, such as a single loop reactor system, wherein ethylene and optionally one or more α-olefins are reacted with a catalyst as described in the present disclosure. polymerization in the presence of the system and optionally one or more cocatalysts as described in the preceding paragraph.

The ethylene-based polymer may further include one or more additives. These additives include, but are not limited to, antistatic agents, color enhancers, dyes, lubricants, pigments, primary antioxidants, secondary antioxidants, processing aids, UV stabilizers, and combinations thereof. The ethylene-based polymer may contain any amount of additives. The ethylene-based polymer may range from about 0% to about 10% of the combined weight of these additives, based on the weight of the ethylene-based polymer and one or more additives. The ethylene-based polymer may further include fillers, which may include, but are not limited to, organic or inorganic fillers. The ethylene-based polymer may contain from about 0 to about 20 weight percent of a filler, such as calcium carbonate, talc, or Mg(OH) ₂ , based on the combined weight of the ethylene-based polymer and any additives or fillers. The ethylene-based polymer can be further blended with one or more polymers to form a blend.

In some embodiments, a polymerization process for preparing an ethylene-based polymer comprises polymerizing ethylene and at least one additional α-olefin in the presence of a catalyst system comprising at least one metal-ligand complex of formula (I). may include The polymer obtained from this catalyst system comprising a metal-ligand complex of formula (I) may, for example, have a weight of 0.850 g/cm ³ to 0.950 g/cm ³ , 0.880 g/cm ³ to 0.920 g/cm ³ , 0.880 g /cm ³ to 0.910 g/cm ³ , or 0.880 g/cm ³ to 0.900 g/cm ³ according to ASTM D792, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In another embodiment, the polymer obtained from a catalyst system comprising a metal-ligand complex of formula (I) has a melt flow ratio (I ₁₀ /I ₂ ) of 5 to 15, wherein the melt index I ₂ is 190 Measured according to ASTM D1238 at 190°C and 2.16 kg load, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the melt index I ₁₀ is measured according to ASTM D1238 at 190°C and 10 kg load. In other embodiments, the melt flow ratio (I ₁₀ /I ₂ ) is from 5 to 10, and in other embodiments, the melt flow ratio is from 5 to 9.

In one embodiment, the polymer resulting from a catalyst system comprising a metal-ligand complex of formula (I) has a molecular-weight distribution (MWD) of 1 to 25, where MWD is M _w /M _n It is defined as, where M _w is the weight average molecular weight and M _n is the number average molecular weight. In other embodiments, the polymer produced from the catalyst system has a MWD of 1 to 6. Another embodiment includes a MWD of 1 to 3; Other embodiments include a MWD of 1.5 to 2.5.

Embodiments of the catalyst systems described in this disclosure provide unique polymer properties as a result of the high molecular weight of the polymer formed and the amount of comonomer incorporated into the polymer.

All solvents and reagents, unless otherwise noted, were obtained from commercial sources and used as received. Anhydrous toluene, hexane, tetrahydrofuran and diethyl ether are purified through passage through activated alumina, in some cases, Q-5 reactant. Solvents used in experiments performed in a nitrogen-filled glovebox are further dried by storage on activated 4Å molecular sieves. Glassware for moisture-sensitive reactions is dried in the oven overnight before use. NMR spectra were recorded on Varian 400-MR and VNMRS-500 spectrometers. ¹ H NMR data are reported as follows: Chemical shifts (multiplicity (br = broad, s = singlet, d = doublet, t = triplet, q = quartet, p = quintet, sex = sextet) , sept = septet and m = multit), integration and assignment). Chemical shifts for ¹ H NMR data are reported in ppm downfield from internal tetramethylsilane (TMS, δ scale) using residual protons in deuterated solvent as reference. ¹³ C NMR data are determined using ¹ H decoupling, and chemical shifts are expressed in ppm downfield from tetramethylsilane (TMS, δ scale) using the residual carbon in the deuterated solvent as a reference.

SymRAD HT-GPC analysis

Molecular weight data were determined by analysis on a hybrid Symyx/Dow built Robot-Assisted Dilution High-Temperature Gel Permeation Chromatograph (Sym-RAD-GPC). Polymer samples are dissolved in 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) at a concentration of 10 mg/mL stabilized with 300 ppm of butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) by heating at 160° C. for 120 minutes. Immediately before injection of a 250 μL aliquot of sample, each sample is diluted to 1 mg/mL. The GPC is equipped with two Polymer Labs PLgel 10 μm MIXED-B columns (300 x 10 mm) at a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min at 160°C. Sample detection is performed using a PolyChar IR4 detector in concentration mode. Routine calibration of narrow polystyrene (PS) standards with apparent units adjusted for homo-polyethylene (PE) using the known Mark-Houwink coefficients for PS and PE in TCB at these temperatures. Use .

1-octene incorporation IR analysis

Analysis of samples for HT-GPC is performed prior to IR analysis. For IR analysis, 48-well HT silicon wafers are used for deposition and analysis of 1-octene incorporation in samples. For analysis, samples are heated to 160° C. for up to 210 minutes; Reheat the sample, remove the magnetic GPC stir bar, and shake using a glass rod stir bar on a J-KEM Scientific heated robotic shaker. Samples are deposited with heating using a Tecan MiniPrep 75 deposition station, and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene is evaporated from the deposited wells of the wafer at 160° C. under nitrogen purge. Analysis of 1-octene was performed using NEXUS 670 E.S.P. Performed on HT silicon wafers using FT-IR.

Batch reactor polymerization procedure

Two different batch reactor procedures, designated A and B, were used. The batch reactor polymerization reaction according to Procedure A is carried out in a 2 L Parr™ batch reactor. The reactor is heated by an electric heating mantle and cooled by an internal serpentine cooling coil containing cooling water. The reactor and heating/cooling system are all controlled and monitored by a Camile™ TG process computer. The bottom of the reactor is equipped with a dump valve that empties the reactor contents into a stainless steel dump pot. The dump pot is pre-filled with catalyst stop solution (typically 5 mL of Irgafos/Irganox/toluene mixture). The dump pot discharges to a 30-gallon blow-down tank, and both pot and tank are purged with nitrogen. All solvents used in the polymerization or catalyst construction are passed through a solvent purification column to remove any impurities that may affect the polymerization. 1-Octene and IsoparE are passed through two columns, the first column containing A2 alumina and the second column containing Q5. The ethylene is passed through two columns, the first containing A204 alumina and 4Å molecular sieves and the second containing Q5 reactant. The N ₂ used for transfer is passed through a single column containing A204 alumina, 4 Å molecular sieves and Q5.

For Procedure A, depending on the reactor load, the reactor is loaded first, starting with the shot tank, which may contain IsoparE solvent and/or 1-octene. Using a laboratory scale equipped with a short tank, fill the short tank to the load set point. After adding the liquid feed, the reactor is heated to the polymerization temperature setpoint. If ethylene is used, it is added to the reactor when the ethylene is at reaction temperature to maintain the reaction pressure set point. The amount of ethylene added is monitored with a micromotion flow meter.

The batch reactor polymerization reaction according to Procedure B is carried out in a 1 gallon (3.79 L) stirred autoclave reactor charged with approximately 1.35 kg of Isopar™ E mixed alkane solvent and 1-octene (250 g). The reactor is then heated to the desired temperature and charged with hydrogen (if desired) followed by an amount of ethylene to bring the total pressure to about 450 psig (2.95 MPa). The ethylene feed is passed through an additional purification column before injection into the reactor. The desired procatalyst and cocatalyst (1.2 equivalents of tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate(1-)amine, and 50 equivalents of triisobutylaluminum modified alumoxane (MMAO-3A) were prepared in a dry box under an inert atmosphere. The catalyst composition is prepared by mixing the mixture) with additional solvent to bring a total volume of about 17 mL. The activated catalyst mixture is then rapidly injected into the reactor. During the polymerization, the reactor pressure and temperature are kept constant by supplying ethylene and cooling the reactor if necessary. After 10 minutes, the ethylene feed is stopped and the solution is transferred to a nitrogen purged resin kettle. The polymer is thoroughly dried in a vacuum oven and the reactor is thoroughly rinsed with hot Isopar™ E between polymerization runs.

The procatalyst and activator are mixed with an appropriate amount of purified toluene to achieve a molar solution. The procatalyst and activator are handled in an inert glove box, and are drawn out with a syringe and pressure is transferred to the catalyst short tank. Rinse the syringe three times with 5 mL of toluene. Immediately after adding the catalyst, start the activation timer. If ethylene is used, it is added by Camile to maintain the reaction pressure set point in the reactor. After the polymerization reaction has run for 10 minutes, stop the stirrer and open the bottom dump valve to empty the reactor contents into the dump port. Pour the contents of the dump pot into a tray and place in a laboratory hood, where the solvent evaporates overnight. The tray containing the remaining polymer is transferred to a vacuum oven and heated to 140° C. under vacuum to remove any remaining solvent. After the trays are cooled to ambient temperature, polymer yield is measured to determine efficiency and subjected to polymer testing.

Procedure for Miniplant Polymerization

The raw materials (ethylene, 1-octene) and process solvent (Isopar-E ^™ , a high purity isoparaffinic solvent with a narrow boiling range, commercially available from ExxonMobil Corporation) are purified using molecular sieves before introduction into the reaction environment. Hydrogen is supplied to the pressurized cylinders in high purity grades, but is not further purified. The reactor monomer feed (ethylene) stream is pressurized above the reaction pressure at 525 psig via a mechanical compressor. Solvent and comonomer (1-octene) feeds are pressurized above the reaction pressure at 525 psig via a mechanical positive displacement pump. MMAO, commercially available from AkzoNobel, was used as an impurity scavenger. Individual catalyst components (procatalyst cocatalyst) are manually batch diluted to specific component concentrations using purified solvent (Isopar E) and pressurized above the reaction pressure at 525 psig. The cocatalyst was [HNMe(C ₁₈ H ₃₇ ) ₂ ][B(C ₆ F ₅ ) ₄ ], commercially available from Boulder Scientific, and was used at a molar ratio of 1.2 to the procatalyst. All reaction feed flows are measured by mass flow meters and independently controlled by a computer automated valve control system.

Continuous solution polymerization is carried out in a 5 liter (L) continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The reactor independently controls all fresh solvent, monomer, comonomer, hydrogen and catalyst component feeds. The feed of the combined solvent, monomer, comonomer and hydrogen to the reactor is temperature controlled to any temperature between 5°C and 50°C, typically 25°C. The fresh comonomer feed to the polymerization reactor is fed together with the solvent feed. The fresh solvent feed is typically controlled with each injector receiving half of all fresh feed mass flows. The cocatalyst is supplied based on a specific molar ratio (1.2 molar equivalent) calculated with respect to the procatalyst component. Immediately after each new injection location, the feed stream is mixed with the circulating polymerization reactor contents with a static mixing element. The effluent from the polymerization reactor (containing solvent, monomer, comonomer, hydrogen, catalyst components and molten polymer) is discharged into the first reactor loop, where a control valve (serves to maintain the pressure in the first reactor at a specific target) ) passes through. When the stream leaves the reactor, it comes into contact with water and stops the reaction. Additionally, various additives such as antioxidants can be added at this point. The stream is then passed through another set of static mixing elements to uniformly disperse the catalyst stopper and additives.

After additive addition, the effluent (containing solvent, monomer, comonomer, hydrogen, catalyst components and molten polymer) passes through a heat exchanger, raising the stream temperature in the preparation to separate the polymer from other low boiling point reaction components. The stream then enters a two-stage separation and devolatilization system where the polymer is removed from solvent, hydrogen, and unreacted monomers and comonomers. The separated and devolatilized polymer melt is pumped through a die specifically designed for underwater pelletization, cut into uniform solid pellets, dried and transferred to storage boxes.

Example

Examples 1A through 7C are synthetic procedures for procatalyst intermediates, reagents used to prepare the procatalyst, and the isolated procatalyst itself. One or more features of the disclosure are illustrated in terms of the following examples:

Example 1A: First step of synthesis of procatalyst 1

A solution of HCl in diethyl ether (3.1 mL, 2.0 M, 6.20 mmol, 1.06 equiv) was added to a toluene solution of compound C1 (6.1 g, 5.83 mmol, 1 equiv). The reaction mixture was stirred for several hours before additional HCl in diethyl ether (3.1 mL, 2.0 M, 6.20 mmol, 1.06 equiv) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour. ¹ H NMR analysis of an aliquot of the reaction mixture showed complete conversion to the desired product. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure overnight. The remaining residue was triturated with hexane, filtered, and dried under reduced pressure to obtain 5.62 g of the product, intermediate Cl ₂ , as an off-white powder with a blue tint (yield: 88.74%).

Example 1B: Second step of synthesis of procatalyst 1

To a solution of intermediate Cl ₂ (1.202 g, 0.94 mmol, 1 equiv) in benzene (8 mL) was added a solution of dimethyloctylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride (3.10 mL, 0.380 M, 1.18 mmol) in a mixture of THF and diethyl ether. , 1.25 equivalent) was added. The reaction mixture was warmed to 50° C. and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was filtered and volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The residue was triturated with hexane, the solid was collected on a frit, and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to give 0.5815 g of Intermediate 1 as a white solid (yield: 50.02%).

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, benzene- d ₆ ) δ 8.34 - 8.25 (m, 2H), 8.17 - 8.10 (m, 2H), 7.67 - 7.16 (m, 14H), 7.12 - 6.74 (m, 9H), 5.04 - 4.89 (m, 2H), 4.79 (ddd, J = 13.3, 8.2, 1.3 Hz, 0.45H), 4.53 (dd, J = 12.5, 8.7 Hz, 1.5H), 4.19 (dd, J = 12.4, 9.6 Hz) , 1H), 3.50 (d, J = 12.5 Hz, 1H), 3.39 (dd, J = 12.6, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 1.55 - 1.34 (m, 9H), 1.34 - -0.03 (m, 22H), -0.09 (s, 3H), -0.21 (s, 3H), -1.26 (dd, J = 252.0, 13.0 Hz, 2H).

Example 1C: Third step of synthesis of procatalyst 1

To a cooled (glovebox freezer, -33°C, 2 h) solution of intermediate 1 (2.781 g, 2.25 mmol) in a mixture of benzene (30 mL) and toluene (60 mL) was added a solution of methyllithium in diethyl ether ( 1.70 mL, 1.53 M, 2.25 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight to give a light brown solution. Additional MeLi (0.65 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The solution was filtered from a small amount of black solid to obtain a light yellow solution. The volatile material was removed under reduced pressure to give a light gray solid. The residue was extracted with hexane, filtered, and the volatiles were removed from the almost colorless solution under reduced pressure to give 2.4292 g of an off-white solid. The solid was extracted with hexane (2 times: 100 mL at ambient temperature; 200 mL at 55°C) and filtered. By removing volatile substances from the filtrate, 2.016 g of procatalyst 1 was obtained as an off-white solid. Procatalyst 1 is used as a mixture of diastereomers, which were present in a ratio of 1.0:0.7 in this particular sample.

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, benzene- d ₆ ) δ 8.34 - 8.21 (m, 2H), 8.18 - 8.04 (m, 2H), 7.76 - 7.17 (m, 13H), 7.13 - 6.66 (m, 9H), 4.88 (ddd, J = 6.7, 5.4, 1.6 Hz, 1.3H), 4.70 (ddd, J = 7.8, 6.4, 1.3 Hz, 0.7H), 4.22 (td, J = 12.0, 8.6 Hz, 1.5H), 3.82 ( dd, J = 65.3, 10.8 Hz, 1.2H), 3.36 (d, J = 12.3 Hz, 1.5H), 3.22 (ddd, J = 18.8, 11.0, 5.0 Hz, 1H), 2.19 - 2.02 (m, 6H) , 1.87 - 0.04 (m, 35H), 0.03 (s, 0.5H), -0.11 - -0.24 (m, 4.5H), -1.16 (s, 1.4H), -1.25 (s, 1H), -1.68 ( dd, J = 448.3, 12.8 Hz, 1.2H), -1.69 (dd, J = 12.9, 365.9 Hz, 1.6H).

Example 1D: Synthesis of dimethyloctylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride for Example 1B

Magnesium (2.50 g, 102.8 mmol) in a 100-mL round bottom flask was stirred overnight using a magnetic stir bar. Diethyl ether (50 mL) was added to the flask, followed by (chloromethyl)dimethyloctylsilane (20.00 g, 90.56 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The light grey-brown solution was filtered and volatiles removed under reduced pressure to give a sticky gray oil with some solids. Tetrahydrofuran was added to form a clear solution (total volume 100 mL). NMR analysis indicated that the product had a concentration of 0.76 M.

Example 2A: First step of synthesis of procatalyst 2

To a solution of 1.502 g of Ligand 1 (1.79 mmol, 1 eq.) in benzene (60 mL) and diethyl ether (40 mL) was added 1.45 mL of a solution of n -butyllithium (2.54 M in pentane, 3.68 mmol, 2.05 eq. ) was added slowly. After stirring the mixture overnight, a precipitate was observed to form. The reaction mixture was filtered, and the precipitate was washed with hexane and dried under reduced pressure. Volatile materials were removed from the filtrate under reduced pressure. The resulting powder was washed twice with hexane, dried under reduced pressure, and combined with precipitation, to obtain a total of 1.201 g of ligand 1-Li ₂ (OEt ₂ ) as a white powder (yield: 72.5%).

Example 2B: Synthesis of Procatalyst 2 second stage

In a 120-mL bottle equipped with a stir bar, 0.426 g of hafnium tetrachloride (1.33 mmol, 1.71 equiv) and benzene (85 mL) were added. Here, a suspension of 0.720 g of the ligand 1-Li ₂ (OEt ₂ ) (0.78 mmol, 1 equivalent) dissolved in 60 mL of benzene was slowly added dropwise. The mixture was stirred overnight under ambient conditions. The reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give a very pale yellow solid. The solid was triturated using hexane, filtered, and dried under reduced pressure to obtain 0.688 g of intermediate Cl ₂ as a white powder (yield 81.3%).

Example 2C: Third step of synthesis of procatalyst 2

To a solution of 0.381 g of intermediate Cl ₂ (0.35 mmol, 1 equiv) in toluene (50 mL) is a solution of 1.4 mL of 2-ethylhexylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride (0.25 M in diethyl ether, 0.35 mmol, 1 equiv). was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C overnight. An additional 0.20 mL of Grignard reagent was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C overnight. ¹ H NMR spectrum of an aliquot of the reaction mixture indicated that the reaction was complete. The reaction mixture was proceeded to the next step of this one-pot reaction without any work-up.

Example 2D: Fourth step of synthesis of procatalyst 2

To the reaction mixture of Intermediate 2 from Example 2C, 0.12 mL of a solution of methylmagnesium bromide (2.95 M in diethyl ether, 0.35 mmol, 1 equiv) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C overnight. ¹ H NMR spectrum of an aliquot of the reaction mixture indicated that the reaction was complete. Volatiles were removed from the reaction mixture under reduced pressure. Hexane (50 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at 50°C for 2 days. The resulting mixture was filtered and volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was extracted with hexane (8 mL), filtered, and volatile substances were removed under reduced pressure to obtain 0.383 g of procatalyst 2 as a glassy solid (yield: 89.6%). Procatalyst 2 is used as a mixture of diastereomers, which were present in a ratio of 0.33:1.66:1.0 in this particular sample.

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, benzene- d ₆ ) δ 8.26 (td, J = 5.7, 4.8, 1.6 Hz, 6H), 8.14 (ddt, J = 11.6, 8.7, 3.3 Hz, 3H), 8.11 - 8.06 (m , 3H), 7.71 (ddd, J = 22.2, 20.1, 8.2 Hz, 3H), 7.63 - 7.55 (m, 3H), 7.50 (ddd, J = 10.9, 7.8, 3.7 Hz, 6H), 7.45 - 7.19 (m , 29H), 7.13 - 7.04 (m, 9H), 7.00 - 6.89 (m, 3H), 6.85 - 6.72 (m, 9H), 4.94 - 4.85 (m, 3H), 4.75 - 4.67 (m, 2H), 4.24 (ddd, J = 23.9, 12.2, 8.4 Hz, 3H), 3.96 - 3.90 (m, 1H), 3.74 (d, J = 10.8 Hz, 1H), 3.37 (dd, J = 12.5, 4.5 Hz, 3H), 3.23 (ddd, J = 32.8, 11.2, 5.1 Hz, 3H), 2.14 (dd, J = 7.1, 4.0 Hz, 18H), 1.48 - 1.22 (m, 37H), 1.04 - 0.85 (m, 16H), 0.77 - 0.64 (m, 5H), 0.61 - 0.46 (m, 10H), 0.31 - 0.07 (m, 19H), 0.05 (s, 4H), -0.09 - -0.17 (m, 17H), -1.04 - -1.27 (m , 12H), -2.04 (d, J = 12.9 Hz, 0.33H), -2.12 (d, J = 12.9 Hz, 1.66H), -2.21 (dd, J = 12.8, 2.1 Hz, 1H).

Example 2E: Synthesis of (2-ethylhexyl)(chloromethyl)dimethylsilane for Example 2C

Ether was removed from a solution of 2-ethylhexylmagnesium bromide (44.0 mL, 1.0 M, 44.0 mmol) under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in THF (100 mL) and excess anhydrous lithium chloride (pounded in a mortar) (4.29 g, 101 mmol) was added. After stirring for 30 min, the Grignard-LiCl mixture (including some undissolved LiCl) was added to a solution of chloro(chloromethyl)dimethylsilane (10.0 g, 69.9 mmol) in THF (20 mL) at ambient temperature for 20 min. It was added over time. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight, yielding a clear, pale yellow solution containing some undissolved LiCl. Volatiles were removed from aliquots for ¹ H NMR analysis as they did not represent the starting material. The reaction mixture was filtered and volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The residue was extracted with hexane, filtered and volatiles removed under reduced pressure to give the product as a very pale yellow oil (10.811 g). According to ¹ H NMR spectroscopy, the main component was the desired product (about 70%), and the product proceeded to the next step without further purification.

Example 2F: Synthesis of 2-ethylhexyldimethylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride for Example 2C

Small crystals of iodine were added to a mixture of magnesium (1.500 g, 61.72 mmol) and ether (10 mL) previously activated by dry stirring overnight using a magnetic stir bar. After stirring for 30 minutes, the iodine color faded. 2-Ethylhexyl(chloromethyl)dimethylsilane (10.81 g, 48.95 mmol, from Example 2E) in ether (30 mL) was added slowly. The reaction mixture was refluxed during the addition. After the addition was complete, the hot plate-stirrer temperature was set to 40° C. and the mixture was stirred overnight. After cooling the mixture to ambient temperature, the reaction mixture was filtered to obtain a light gray solution. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to give a gray white solid. Hexane was added to wash the hydrocarbons. The mixture was filtered and volatiles were removed under reduced pressure from both the solid fraction and the filtrate. The solid fraction was dried to give 0.9 g of dark gray mass. The filtrate was dried to give a colorless oil. According to ¹ H NMR spectroscopy, the desired Grignard reagent was observed (yield 11.449 g). The compound was diluted with ether to give about 80 mL of solution, and the titration gave a concentration of 0.25 M.

Example 3A: First step of synthesis of procatalyst 3

To a solution of 0.275 g of intermediate Cl ₂ (0.26 mmol, 1 equiv) prepared according to Example 2B in toluene (15 mL) was added 0.306 mL of a solution of trimethylsilylmethylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride (0.84 M in diethyl ether, 0.26 mmol, 1 equivalent) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C overnight. ¹ H NMR spectrum of an aliquot of the reaction mixture indicated that the reaction was complete. The reaction mixture was proceeded to the next step of this one-pot reaction without any work-up.

Example 3B: Synthesis of Procatalyst 3 second stage

To the reaction mixture of Intermediate 3 from Example 3A, 86.7 μL of a solution of methylmagnesium bromide (2.97 M in diethyl ether, 0.26 mmol, 1 equiv) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C for 5 days. ¹ H NMR spectrum of an aliquot of the reaction mixture indicated that the reaction was complete. The reaction mixture was filtered through a disposable frit, and volatiles were removed from the filtrate under reduced pressure. Hexane (40 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at 40°C overnight. The resulting mixture was filtered and volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The resulting residue was extracted with hexane (20 mL), filtered, and volatile substances were removed under reduced pressure to obtain 0.115 g of procatalyst 3 as a white solid (yield: 37.8%). Procatalyst 3 is used as a mixture of diastereomers, which were present in a ratio of 1.0:0.72 in this particular sample.

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, benzene- d ₆ ) δ 8.30 - 8.20 (m, 4H), 8.08 (ddt, J = 19.3, 13.5, 8.0 Hz, 4H), 7.74 - 7.46 (m, 6H), 7.45 - 7.18 (m, 11H), 7.11 - 6.87 (m, 8H), 6.86 - 6.69 (m, 6H), 6.10 (dd, J = 19.9, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 5.04 - 4.68 (m, 4H), 4.34 - 4.16 (m, 2H), 3.98 (d, J = 11.4 Hz, 0H), 3.88 - 3.67 (m, 1H), 3.43 - 3.15 (m, 4H), 2.18 - 2.09 (m, 12H), 1.41 - 1.20 (m , 8H), 1.13 - 0.80 (m, 7H), 0.72 (d, J = 9.4 Hz, 2H), 0.57 - 0.45 (m, 9H), 0.16 - 0.07 (m, 13H), -0.04 - -0.22 (m , 6H), -0.35 - -0.51 (m, 1H), -0.59 (dd, J = 13.7, 4.8 Hz, 1H), -1.03 - -1.26 (m, 7H), -2.05 (dd, J = 30.6, 12.8 Hz, 1H).

Example 3C: Synthesis of 2-ethylhexyldimethylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride for Example 3A

To a mixture of 0.852 g of magnesium (35.04 mmol, 1.2 eq.) and diethyl ether (50 mL), 5.689 g of trimethylsilylmethyl(chloromethyl)dimethylsilane (29.20 mmol, 1 eq.) was added. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred overnight at ambient conditions. The reaction mixture was filtered through a disposable frit and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure, giving 6.788 g of a grey-brown viscous oil (yield: 79.3%). ¹ H NMR spectroscopy indicated the presence of one coordinated diethyl ether molecule. The product was redissolved in about 35 mL of diethyl ether, and the resulting solution was titrated to give a concentration of 0.84 M.

Example 4A: First step of synthesis of procatalyst 4

To a solution of 0.300 g of intermediate Cl ₂ (0.28 mmol, 1 eq.) prepared according to Example 2B in toluene (20 mL) was added 1.80 mL of a solution of dodecyldimethylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride (0.16 M in diethyl ether, 0.29 mmol, 1 equivalent) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C overnight. An additional 0.20 mL of Grignard reagent was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C overnight. ¹ H NMR spectrum of an aliquot of the reaction mixture indicated that the reaction was complete. The reaction mixture was proceeded to the next step of this one-pot reaction without any work-up.

Example 4B: Second step of synthesis of procatalyst 4

To the reaction mixture of Intermediate 4 from Example 4A, 0.095 mL of a solution of methylmagnesium bromide (2.94 M in diethyl ether, 0.28 mmol, 1 equiv) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C overnight. ¹ H NMR spectrum of an aliquot of the reaction mixture indicated that the reaction was complete. The reaction mixture was filtered through a disposable frit and volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The glassy residue was extracted with hexane, filtered and dried under reduced pressure. This resulting glassy residue was extracted once again with hexane, filtered, and dried under reduced pressure to obtain 0.285 g of procatalyst 4 as a glassy solid (yield: 81.2%). Procatalyst 4 is used as a mixture of diastereomers, which were present in a ratio of 1.0:0.88 in this particular sample.

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, benzene- d ₆ ) δ 8.35 - 8.18 (m, 4H), 8.21 - 8.03 (m, 4H), 7.71 (ddt, J = 17.2, 8.2, 0.9 Hz, 2H), 7.60 - 7.47 (m, 5H), 7.43 - 7.30 (m, 7H), 7.26 - 7.20 (m, 7H), 7.13 - 7.03 (m, 7H), 6.95 (dtd, J = 11.4, 7.5, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 6.87 - 6.75 (m, 4H), 4.89 (ddd, J = 8.1, 5.3, 1.7 Hz, 2H), 4.71 (ddd, J = 7.8, 6.5, 1.3 Hz, 2H), 4.23 (td, J = 12.0, 8.7 Hz) , 2H), 3.91 (d, J = 11.2 Hz, 1H), 3.74 (d, J = 10.8 Hz, 1H), 3.41 - 3.32 (m, 2H), 3.27 - 3.16 (m, 1H), 2.20 - 2.04 ( m, 12H), 1.40 - 1.23 (m, 58H), 1.00 - 0.81 (m, 13H), 0.59 - 0.44 (m, 3H), 0.28 (dtd, J = 13.7, 7.5, 6.8, 2.7 Hz, 4H), 0.03 (s, 7H), -0.14 (d, J = 4.8 Hz, 6H), -0.20 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 5H), -1.15 (s, 3H), -1.24 (s, 3H), - 2.14 (d, J = 12.9 Hz, 1H), -2.23 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H).

Example 5A: First step of synthesis of procatalyst 5

In a nitrogen-purged glovebox, 8.56 g of tetrabenzylzirconium (18.78 mmol, 1 equiv) and 30 mL of diethyl ether were added to a 120-mL bottle equipped with a large stir bar to form an orange suspension. 4.38 g of zirconium tetrachloride (18.78 mmol, 1 equivalent) was added thereto. The mixture was stirred overnight under ambient conditions. The next day, the solvent was removed from the reaction mixture under reduced pressure to obtain 14.8295 g of orange powder (yield: 94.34%). The product was stored in a glovebox freezer.

Example 5B: Second step of synthesis of procatalyst 5

In a nitrogen-purged glovebox, 2.63 g of Ligand 1 (3.13 mmol, 1 equiv) and 20 mL of benzene were added to a 120-mL bottle equipped with a large stir bar to form a white, cloudy suspension. To this was added dropwise a suspension of 1.31 g of Zr(Bn) ₂ Cl ₂ (OEt ₂ ) (3.13 mmol, 1 equiv) in 10 mL of benzene, giving an orange suspension. The mixture was stirred overnight under ambient conditions. The next day, the reaction mixture was off-white with an off-white precipitate. A small aliquot of the reaction mixture was evaluated by ¹ H NMR spectroscopy to demonstrate the formation of the desired product. The reaction mixture proceeded to the next step without work-up.

Example 5B: Third step of synthesis of procatalyst 5

To the reaction mixture from the synthesis of intermediate 5-Cl ₂ 8.3 mL of dimethyloctylsilylmethyl magnesium chloride (0.38 M in diethyl ether/THF, 3.13 mmol, 1 equiv) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight under ambient conditions. The next day, a small aliquot of the reaction mixture was taken, filtered, and the solvent was removed in vacuo. ^1H NMR spectroscopy indicated completion of the reaction. The reaction mixture proceeded to the next step without work-up.

Example 5B: Third step of synthesis of procatalyst 5

To the reaction mixture from the synthesis of intermediate 5, 2.05 mL of methyllithium (1.53 M in diethyl ether, 3.13 mmol, 1 equiv) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at ambient conditions. The next day, the reaction mixture was filtered through a disposable frit to isolate a large amount of off-white precipitate, which was washed with about 10 mL of benzene. The solvent was removed from the filtrate in vacuo to give a brown solid. To this was added 40 mL of hexane and the resulting suspension was stirred overnight at ambient conditions. The next day, the mixture was filtered through a disposable frit, yielding 2.64 g of procatalyst 5 as an off-white solid (yield: 74.61%). Procatalyst 5 is used as a mixture of diastereomers, which were present in a ratio of 1.0:0.1 in this particular sample.

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, benzene- d ₆ ) δ 8.34 - 8.22 (m, 2H), 8.20 - 8.05 (m, 2H), 7.81 (dt, J = 8.3, 0.9 Hz, 1H), 7.61 (ddd, J = 8.2, 7.1, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 7.56 - 7.46 (m, 3H), 7.45 - 7.35 (m, 3H), 7.39 - 7.23 (m, 3H), 7.28 - 7.19 (m, 3H), 7.20 - 6.98 (m, 16H), 6.94 (td, J = 7.5, 1.2 Hz, 1H), 6.88 - 6.72 (m, 3H), 4.90 (ddd, J = 7.4, 6.1, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 4.19 (ddd, J = 15.6, 12.2, 8.7 Hz, 1H), 3.49 (s, 2H), 3.33 (dd, J = 12.3, 2.1 Hz, 2H), 2.19 - 2.09 (m, 7H), 1.49 (s, 6H), 1.45 - 1.38 (m, 4H), 1.31 (s, 8H), 1.11 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 1H), 1.02 - 0.88 (m, 3H), 0.70 (s, 2H), 0.38 - 0.20 (m, 2H) , 0.20 - 0.05 (m, 1H), -0.14 (d, J = 23.2 Hz, 6H), -0.61 (d, J = 12.5 Hz, 1H), -0.89 (s, 3H), -1.69 (d, J = 12.5 Hz, 1H).

Example 6A: First step of synthesis of procatalyst 6

To a solution of intermediate 5 Cl ₂ (0.5562 g, 0.5567 mmol) prepared according to Example 5B in toluene (15 mL), in a solution of 2-ethylhexyldimethylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride in ether prepared according to Examples 2E-2F (2.3 mL, 0.25 M, 0.575 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C for 2 days. An aliquot was taken and subjected to ¹ H NMR analysis, which indicated that the reaction was approximately 79% complete. Additional Grignard reagent (0.6 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at 100° C. overnight. An aliquot was taken and subjected to ¹ H NMR analysis, which indicated that the reaction was complete. Without performing post-treatment, the reaction mixture proceeded to the next step as is.

Example 6B: Second step of synthesis of procatalyst 6

To the reaction mixture of intermediate 6 in toluene (0.640 g, 0.557 mmol, from Example 6A) was added a solution of methylmagnesium bromide (0.20 mL, 2.95 M, 0.59 mmol) in ether. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C over the weekend. An aliquot was taken and analyzed by ¹ H NMR, which indicated that the reaction was approximately 93% complete. Additional MeMgBr (0.014 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C overnight. ¹ H NMR analysis indicated that the reaction was complete. The black reaction mixture was filtered and volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to give 0.6528 g of black solid. The residue was extracted with hexane, filtered off from the black insoluble material, and the volatile material was removed under reduced pressure to give 0.4569 g of a pale yellow glassy solid. This solid was dissolved in hexane (10 mL) and filtered off from a small amount of wispy solid material. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to obtain 0.4312 g of procatalyst 6 as a glassy solid (68.59%). Procatalyst 6 is used as a mixture of diastereomers, which were present in a ratio of 1.0:1.0 in this particular sample.

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, benzene- d ₆ ) δ 8.42 - 8.14 (m, 10H), 7.87 (dd, J = 23.1, 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.68 (dt, J = 15.7, 7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.64 - 7.51 (m, 6H), 7.51 - 7.39 (m, 11H), 7.33 (dt, J = 14.2, 7.2 Hz, 9H), 7.24 (d, J = 5.4 Hz, 8H), 7.19 (s, 1H) , 7.03 (dtd, J = 14.8, 7.6, 3.4 Hz, 3H), 6.88 (dp, J = 22.8, 7.5 Hz, 7H), 4.97 (dd, J = 19.1, 8.1 Hz, 2H), 4.78 (dd, J = 13.9, 8.2 Hz, 2H), 4.27 (ddd, J = 25.1, 12.2, 8.4 Hz, 2H), 3.96 (d, J = 11.1 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (d, J = 10.8 Hz, 1H), 3.41 (dd, J = 12.2, 3.2 Hz, 2H), 3.28 (ddd, J = 31.2, 11.0, 5.0 Hz, 3H), 2.26 - 2.20 (m, 13H), 1.52 - 1.32 (m, 34H), 1.15 - 0.97 (m, 22H), 0.85 - 0.50 (m, 17H), 0.20 (s, 6H), 0.15 (s, 1H), -0.01 - -0.05 (m, 12H), -0.39 (dd, J = 12.3, 3.7 Hz, 1H), -0.49 (dd, J = 12.4, 2.9 Hz, 1H), -0.81 (s, 3H), -0.89 (s, 3H), -1.60 (d, J = 12.5 Hz, 1H), - 1.69 (dd, J = 12.5, 2.8 Hz, 1H).

Example 7A: First step of synthesis of procatalyst 7

To a solution of Ligand 2 (2.332 g, 2.84 mmol, 1 equiv) in a mixture of benzene (100 mL) and ether (80 mL), n-butyllithium (2.353 mL, 2.535 M, 5.97 mmol, 2.1 equiv) was slowly added. did. The mixture was stirred overnight and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The solid was added to hexane to form a slurry, filtered and dried under reduced pressure to give 2.212 g of the ligand 2-Li ₂ (OEt) as an off-white powder with a pink tint (yield: 85.86%).

Example 7B: Second step of synthesis of procatalyst 7

A suspension of Ligand 2 - Li ₂ (OEt) (1.348 g, 1.49 mmol, 1 equiv) in a mixture of toluene (75 mL) and diethyl ether (25 mL) was cooled in a glovebox freezer at -33°C overnight. To the cooled suspension of the ligand 2-Li ₂ (OEt) in toluene was added solid HfCl ₄ (0.650 g, 2.03 mmol, 1.4 equiv) all simultaneously. The resulting mixture was stirred for 8 hours and allowed to reach room temperature, and then the reaction mixture was filtered through a disposable frit to obtain intermediate 7-Cl ₂ .

Example 7C: Third step of synthesis of procatalyst 7

A solution of octyl(dimethyl)silylmethylmagnesium chloride in THF (2.4 mL, 0.76 M, 1.82 mmol, 1.2 equiv) was added to intermediate 7-Cl ₂ and the resulting mixture was stirred at 45° C. overnight. Additional Grignard solution (2.6 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 days and then filtered through a disposable frit to give a clear solution of intermediate 7. This solution was cooled in a glovebox freezer at -33°C for several hours. A solution of methyllithium in diethyl ether (1.10 mL, 1.53 M, 1.68 mmol, 1.1 equiv) was added slowly and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature under stirring. After 4 hours, additional methyllithium (0.55 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was filtered through a disposable frit and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was extracted three times (100 mL, 50 mL, 30 mL) with warm hexane (45°C), the mixture was filtered, and volatile substances were removed under reduced pressure after each extraction, yielding 1.688 g of procatalyst 7 as a dark brown substance. Obtained as a solid (yield: 94.78%).

Example 8: Solubility study

24.5 mg of procatalyst 2 and 763.6 μL of methylcyclohexane were added to an 8-mL vial. A stir bar was added and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour, then the vial was removed from the stir plate and the mixture was allowed to stand overnight. The next day, the suspension was filtered through a syringe filter into a weighed vial, yielding 431.1 mg of supernatant, and the methylcyclohexane was removed in vacuo, leaving 11.7 mg of sample and a 2.7% solubility by weight.

Procatalysts 1 to 7, Comparative Procatalyst C1, Comparative Procatalyst C2, and Comparative Procatalyst C3 were reacted individually in a single reactor system using polymerization conditions as described above. The properties of the resulting polymers are reported in Tables 2 to 8. Comparative procatalyst C1, comparative procatalyst C2, and comparative procatalyst C3 have structures according to formula (Ia). Compared to comparative procatalyst C1, comparative procatalyst C2, and comparative procatalyst C3, a significant increase in weight percent solubility was observed for procatalysts 2 to 7, which are metal-ligand complexes according to formula (I).

Claims (11)

A catalyst system comprising a metal-ligand complex according to formula (I):

where M is a metal selected from titanium, zirconium or hafnium, existing in a formal oxidation state of +2, +3 or +4;
^X _is selected _{from the} group _consisting of _- (CH ₂ ) ^{SiR at} _least ^one _of ^the
each Z is independently selected from -O-, -S-, -N(R ^N )- or -P(R ^P )-;
R ¹ and R ¹⁶ are each independently -H, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )heterohydrocarbyl, -Si(R ^C ) ₃ , -Ge(R ^C ) ₃ , -P(R ^P ) ₂ , -N(R ^N ) ₂ , -OR ^C , -SR ^C , -NO ₂ , -CN, -CF ₃ , R ^C S(O)-, R ^C S(O) ₂ -, (R ^C ) ₂ C=N-, R ^C C(O)O-, R ^C OC(O)-, R ^C C(O)N(R)-, (R ^C ) ₂ NC(O )-, halogen, a radical having the formula (II), a radical having the formula (III) and a radical having the formula (IV):

In the above formula, R ^31-35 , R ^41-48 and R ^51-59 are each independently -H, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )heterohydrocarbyl, -Si( R ^C ) ₃ , -Ge(R ^C ) ₃ , -P(R ^P ) ₂ , -N(R ^N ) ₂ , -OR ^C , -SR ^C , -NO ₂ , -CN, -CF ₃ , R ^C S(O)-, R ^C S(O) _2- , (R ^C ) ₂ C=N-, R ^C C(O)O-, R ^C OC(O)-, R ^C C(O)N( R ^N )-, (R ^C ) ₂ NC(O)-, or halogen; provided that at least one of R ¹ or R ¹⁶ is a radical having the above formula (II), a radical having the above formula (III), or a radical having the above formula (IV);
R ^2-4 , R ^5-8 , R ^9-12 and R ^13-15 are each independently -H, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₄₀ )heterohydrocarbyl, - Si(R ^C ) ₃ , -Ge(R ^C ) ₃ , -P(R ^P ) ₂ , -N(R ^N ) ₂ , -OR ^C , -SR ^C , -NO ₂ , -CN, -CF ₃ , R ^C S(O)-, R ^C S(O) ₂ -, (R ^C ) ₂ C=N-, R ^C C(O)O-, R ^C OC(O)-, R ^C C(O) is selected from N(R)-, (R ^C ) ₂ NC(O)- and halogen;
L is (C ₂ -C ₄₀ )hydrocarbylene or (C ₂ -C ₄₀ )heterohydrocarbylene;
In formula (I), each R ^C , R ^P , and R ^N is independently (C ₁ -C ₃₀ )hydrocarbyl, (C ₁ -C ₃₀ )heterohydrocarbyl, or -H. According to paragraph 1,
M is zirconium or hafnium;
each X is -(CH ₂ )Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ (CH ₂ CH ₃ );
and each Z is -O-. According to paragraph 1,
M is zirconium or hafnium;
each X is -(CH ₂ )Si(CH ₂ CH ₃ ) ₃ ;
and each Z is -O-. According to paragraph 1,
M is zirconium or hafnium;
each X is selected from the group consisting of -(CH ₂ )Si(CH ₃ )(n-octyl) ^R
and each Z is -O-. The catalyst system ^according to claim 1, wherein exactly two ^R ◈Claim 6 was abandoned upon payment of the setup registration fee.◈ According to paragraph 1,
M is zirconium or hafnium;
each X is selected from the group consisting of -(CH ₂ )Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ (n-butyl);
and each Z is -O-. ◈Claim 7 was abandoned upon payment of the setup registration fee.◈ According to paragraph 1,
M is zirconium or hafnium;
each X is -(CH ₂ )Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ (n-hexyl);
and each Z is -O-. ◈Claim 8 was abandoned upon payment of the setup registration fee.◈ According to paragraph 1,
M is zirconium or hafnium;
each X is -(CH ₂ )Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ (2-ethylhexyl);
and each Z is -O-. ◈Claim 9 was abandoned upon payment of the setup registration fee.◈ According to paragraph 1,
M is zirconium or hafnium;
each X is -(CH ₂ )Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ (dodecyl);
and each Z is -O-. ◈Claim 10 was abandoned upon payment of the setup registration fee.◈ According to paragraph 1,
M is zirconium or hafnium;
each X is -CH ₂ Si(CH ₃ ) ₂ CH ₂ Si(CH ₃ ) ₃ ;
and each Z is -O-. ◈Claim 11 was abandoned upon payment of the setup registration fee.◈ 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the weight percent solubility ratio W/Y of the metal-ligand complex according to formula (I) is at least 1.5, wherein W is methylcyclohexane at standard temperature and pressure. is the weight % solubility of the metal-ligand complex of formula (I), Y is the weight % solubility of the corresponding comparative metal-ligand complex of formula (Ia) in methylcyclohexane at standard temperature and pressure; The corresponding comparative complex has a structure according to formula (Ia):

wherein M, each Z, each R ^1-16 , and L are all identical to the corresponding groups of the metal-ligand complex according to formula (I) above.